Magesi power through Durban City in crucial victory

Magesi made giant strides in their bid to remain in the Betway Premiership this season following a 5-2 victory over Durban City at the Seshego Stadium on Sunday night.

In what was one of the most surprising results in the league in recent weeks, Magesi moved away from the relegation zone owing to five impressive goals by Godfrey Mashigo, Lehlegonolo Mokone, Kgothatso Mariba and Mcedi Vandala (2) across both halves.

As it stands, Magesi moved into 14th position on the table, level on points (20) with Marumo Gallants, who are in 15th place, as Dikwena tša Meetse boast a superior goal difference.

Magesi were all over Durban City inside the first five minutes of the match, as seen with attempts by Sifiso Luthuli, Siyabonga Ndlozi and Vandala. Along with their early pressure, Magesi managed to break the deadlock in the ninth minute after Vandala capped a swift break en-route to goal.

Not holding back, Durban City levelled the scoreline moments later through Jean Lwamba, who found the back of the net in the 12th minute after being set-up by Samkelo Maseko before scoring with a right-footed shot in clinical fashion.

Then following a rapid exchange from both sides, Magesi re-took the lead in the 14th minute, this time with Mashigo making the most of a quick transition move toward the Durban City box.

With wind in their sails, Magesi added another goal in the 19th minute as Mokone pounced after a set-piece situation to rifle home a right-footed shot from the middle of the 18-yard-area.

Durban City continued to showcase their grit despite being behind on the scoresheet and scored their second goal in the 27th minute via Lwamba once more. After being awarded a set-piece outside the box, Mfanafuthi Mkhize found Lwamba with a headed pass before the Durban City man finished from close range.

Goal scoring opportunities continued to fly during the remainder of the first-half with fans at the Seshego Stadium treated to a goal laden first 45.

Durban City looked bright after the restart with Magesi playing on the back foot during the first 10 minutes of the second 45. Maseko was among Durban City’s main attackers during this period after seeing a header go narrowly wide in the 55th minute.

Despite Durban City’s attacking endeavours, Magesi scored their fourth goal in the 65th minute, this time through Mariba with a well-taken right-footed shot from range.

With Durban City deflated after conceding their fourth goal, Magesi added to their misery by scoring their fifth in the 78th minute after Vandala increased his goal tally at the Seshego Stadium. While Luthuli watched his initial shot saved from the centre of the box, Vandala followed through with a left-footed strike to ensure his goal.

Then, following a largely subdued end to the match, Magesi celebrated with three vital points in the bag.

Magesi: (1) 5 (Vandala 9’ 78’ , Mashigo 14’, Mokone 19’, Mariba 65’, Vandala 78’

Durban City: (1) 2 (Lwamba 12’, 27’)

MAGESI: Chipezeze, Nyama (Mokone 46’), Mokone, Mofokeng, Ndlozi (Seseane 84’), Mariba, Mashigo (Chirambadare 67’), Masegela (Matima 68’), Mtshali, Vandala, Luthuli (Sibanyoni 84’)

DURBAN CITY: Keet, Jalai, Ncanana, Mkhize (Mthembu 79’), Gcaba, Maseko, Jurgens (Goedeman 89’), Poggenpoel, Magawana (Koapeng 79’), Lwamba (Kamatuka 89’), Sifumba (Domingo 54’)